Juan Martin del Potro conquers Roger Federer in Indian Wells final
Juan Martin del Potro claimed another big win over Roger Federer as he beat the world No 1 to the Indian Wells Masters title.
Federer came into the match as the favourite as he was 17-0 for the 2018 season, but Del Potro was never going to be pushover as he was on a 10-match winning streak himself having won the title in Acapulco.
And it was Del Potro who eventually prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-2).
What a moment ??@delpotrojuan, we salute you! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/4avDNnBmjx
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 18, 2018
The man from Argentina claimed first blood as he broke in the fifth game to take the opening set.
It was a tight affair in the second set with no breaks of serve, but Federer did have a couple of set points in the 11th game, but it didn’t matter in the end as he won tie-breaker.
Federer manufactured a break of serve in the ninth game of the decider and he had three match points on serve, but Del Potro broke back and took it to the tie-breaker.
The former US Open champion eventually claimed the tie-breaker to win his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
“It’s so big,” Del Potro said. “I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and level of tennis. We played great tennis today.
“I’m No. 6 in the world, I think? Which is so good to me. And I’m excited to keep working… I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can.”
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